Bringing Family to the Netherlands: The Essential Guide to Sponsoring a Short-Stay Visa

The rules for "Short Stay" (up to 90 days) visits depend entirely on your guest’s nationality and your own residency status. Here is how to tell if you need to follow the formal sponsorship process.

Who is this guide for?

This guide is specifically for expats living in the Netherlands who want to host family members from "visa-required" countries.

1. Does your family need a visa?

The Netherlands follows the common Schengen visa policy.

• No Visa Needed: If your family members hold passports from the EU/EEA, Switzerland, USA, Canada, UK, Australia, or several other "visa-exempt" countries, they do not need a Schengen visa. They simply show up with a valid passport.
• Visa Required: If your family is coming from countries like South Africa, India, China, Turkey, Indonesia, or most of Africa and the Middle East, they must apply for a Short Stay Schengen Visa.
• Check the list: Use the official Netherlands Worldwide Visa Advisor to be 100% sure.

2. Do you need to provide Sponsorship?

Even if your family needs a visa, you only need to complete the formal IND Form 1310 if:

• The "€55 Rule" isn't met: Your guest cannot prove they have at least €55 per person, per day for their stay. In this case, you act as their Financial Guarantor.
• Accommodation Proof: Even if they have the money, the Dutch embassy often requires "Proof of Private Accommodation" to know exactly where they are staying.

The Step-by-Step Sponsorship Process

Step 1: Download IND Form 1310

Download the official Proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation form from the IND website.

• One form per person: If Mom and Dad are both coming, you need two separate forms.
• Wait to sign: Fill it out digitally or by hand, but do not sign it yet.

Step 2: Legalize your signature at the Gemeente

To make the document official, you must sign it in front of a municipal officer at your local Gemeente (city hall).

• Book an appointment: Look for "Handtekening legaliseren" (Legalize signature) on your city's website.
• Bring your ID: You’ll need your valid passport or Dutch residence permit.
• Married/Registered Partners: If you are acting as a financial guarantor and you have a registered partner, both of you must go to the appointment and sign the form. This confirms that your household income supports the guest.

Step 3: Collect your "Inkomenseis" (Income Proof)

If you are the financial sponsor, you must prove you have a sustainable income. The IND sets a minimum threshold (usually based on the Dutch minimum wage). You will need:

• A copy of your employment contract (valid for at least 12 months).
• Your last 3 payslips.
• An Employer’s Declaration (Werkgeversverklaring).

Step 4: Send the originals to your family

Once stamped by the Gemeente, these documents are the "golden ticket."

• Originals matter: While many things in the NL are digital, embassies usually require the physical, stamped form. Send it to your family via a reliable courier.
• Validity: The legalization is typically valid for 6 months, so don't do this a year in advance.

What your family needs to do next

Once they receive your package, they must book an appointment at the Dutch embassy or a service like VFS Global in their home country. They will need:

• Your legalized form and income proof.
• Travel Medical Insurance: Must cover at least €30,000 for the entire Schengen area.
• Flight reservation: A round-trip reservation (you don't need to pay for the full ticket yet).
• Proof of ties: Documents showing they will return home (like a job contract or property deed in their country).

Final Tip from an Expat

The most common reason for visa rejection isn't a lack of money, it's incomplete paperwork. Double-check that your payslips are recent and that every box on Form 1310 is checked. For the most accurate, up-to-the-minute requirements, always refer to the official IND website.

Good luck, and enjoy the family time!